Sintering of carbon steel components in endothermic and nitrogen-hydrogen atmospheres

摘要

Nitrogen-based atmospheres have been used for sintering carbon steel components for a number of years. These atmospheres are produced and supplied by using an endothermic generator or by blending pure nitrogen with hydrogen. Although the use of nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere has been commonly associated with producing parts with consistent quality and properties, there are still a number of powder metal parts manufacturers utilizing endothermically generated atmosphere for sintering carbon steel components. The main reasons for not using nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere by these manufacturers are perceived high cost and lack of awareness of the benefits of nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere. This paper compares and contrasts properties of carbon steel components sintered in endothermic and nitrogen-hydrogen atmospheres. It also highlights benefits of using nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere over endothermically generated atmosphere. Finally, it recommends selecting an endothermic atmosphere for sintering carbon steel components if overall cost not the quality and consistency of sintered components is the deciding factor or a nitrogen-hydrogen atmosphere if quality and consistency of sintered components not the overall cost are deciding factors.